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Fiona Dourif
Fiona Dourif
Fiona Dourif
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Fiona Christianne Dourif (born October 30, 1981)[1] is an American actress and producer. She is best known for her starring role as Nica Pierce in the Child's Play franchise, including Curse of Chucky (2013), its sequel Cult of Chucky (2017), and the television series Chucky (2021–2024). She appears in these works alongside her father, Brad Dourif, who portrays Chucky.

Key Information

Dourif starred as Bart Curlish in the BBC America science fiction series Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency (2016–2017) and as Diane Jones in ABC miniseries When We Rise (2017). She currently stars as Dr. Cassie McKay in the HBO Max medical drama The Pitt (2025-present). She had recurring roles in the HBO fantasy drama series True Blood (2011), the NBC crime thriller series The Blacklist (2018–2021), the USA Network action horror series The Purge (2018), and the CBS All Access miniseries The Stand (2020).

Dourif also appeared in films such as Garden Party (2008), The Master (2012), Fear Clinic (2014), Blood Is Blood (2016), Tenet (2020), The Shuroo Process (2021), Don't Look at the Demon (2022), and Unsinkable (2024).

Early life

[edit]

Dourif was born in Woodstock, New York, the daughter of actor Brad Dourif and Jonina (Joni) Dourif.[2][3] Her mother worked as a professional psychic and was a practitioner of remote viewing.[4] Dourif has a sister, Kristina Dourif.[5][2]

After college, Dourif became a segment producer for documentaries on History and TLC. She began acting at the age of 23, supplementing her acting career with waitressing and bartending jobs for 14 years before she was able to support herself as an actress.[3][6]

Career

[edit]

In 2005, Dourif made her professional acting debut as Chez Ami Whore in the HBO period drama series Deadwood. The following year, she was cast as Alice in the television miniseries Thief. The same year, Dourif made her debut film appearance in the drama Little Chenier.

In 2007, Dourif appeared in the off-Broadway play Some Americans Abroad at Second Stage Theater.[7] Later, she was cast in the short film The Lucky One. In 2008, Dourif portrayed Becky in the indie drama film Garden Party and Lisa in Frank the Rat. The same year, Dourif guest starred in the NBC police procedural series Law & Order: Special Victims Unit as Detective Nikki Breslin.

In 2009, Dourif was cast in a small role in the film The Messenger and had a guest role in the HBO comedy series Bored to Death. The following year, she starred in the indie film Mafiosa and the television film After the Fall. Dourif subsequently portrayed Penny in Letters from the Big Man before having a recurring role as Casey in the HBO fantasy drama series True Blood and a guest appearance in the Lifetime police drama series The Protector.[8]

In 2012, Dourif starred in the short film This is Caroline and appeared in Paul Thomas Anderson's psychological drama The Master. The following year, Dourif portrayed Nica Pierce in the slasher horror film Curse of Chucky, part of the Child's Play franchise in which her father, Brad Dourif, had long starred as Chucky. The film was a critical success and became a cult hit.[3]

In 2014, she was cast in the indie films Gutshot Straight, Dangerous Words from the Fearless, Precious Mettle, and Fear Clinic.[9] She also starred as Brie in the 2016 thriller film Blood is Blood.[10]

Dourif at the 2017 San Diego Comic-Con

From 2016 to 2017, Dourif played the "holistic assassin" Bart Curlish in the BBC America science fiction comedy series Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency. The series ran for two seasons.[11] Also in 2017, she portrayed the younger version of the character played by Rachel Griffiths, named Diane Jones, in the ABC docudrama miniseries When We Rise.

In 2017, Dourif reprised her role as Nica Pierce in the horror sequel film Cult of Chucky.[12][13] She reprised the role again in the 2021 television series continuation, Chucky, as well as playing the on-screen version of Charles Lee Ray in flashbacks, the role her father played in the original 1988 film and returned to voice for the series.[14]

From 2018 to 2021, Dourif portrayed Jennifer Reddington, the long lost daughter of main character Raymond Reddington, in the NBC drama thriller series The Blacklist. She also had a recurring role in the USA Network action horror series The Purge as Good Leader Tavis, a zealous cult leader.[3]

In 2020, Dourif was cast as the villainous Rat Woman in the miniseries adaptation of Stephen King's novel The Stand.[15]

In 2025, Dourif was cast as a series regular in the medical drama seriesThe Pitt as Dr. Cassie McKay.

Filmography

[edit]

Film

[edit]
Year Title Role Notes
2006 Little Chenier Jo Jo
2007 The Lucky One Susan Short film
2008 Garden Party Becky
Frank the Rat Lisa
2009 The Messenger Returning Soldier's Wife
2011 Letters from the Big Man Penny
2012 This is Caroline Fiona (voice) Short film
Cold Living Moira Short film
The Master Dancer
2013 Curse of Chucky Nica Pierce
2014 Gutshot Straight Gina
Dangerous Words from the Fearless Ruth
Precious Mettle Judy
2015 Fear Clinic Sara
2016 Her Last Will Iona Cotton
Blood Is Blood Brie
Mafiosa Sam
Arbor Demon Dana
2017 Safe Brenda
Cult of Chucky Nica Pierce / Chucky
2020 Tenet Wheeler
2021 The Shuroo Process Parker Schafer
2022 Don't Look at the Demon Jules
2023 On Fire Sarah Laughlin
2024 Unsinkable Alaine Ricard
Psychonaut Samantha

Television

[edit]
Year Title Role Notes
2005 Deadwood Chez Ami Whore 3 episodes
2006 Thief Alice 4 episodes
2008 Law & Order: Special Victims Unit Detective Nikki Breslin Episode: "Swing"
2009 Bored to Death Lisa Klein Episode: "Stockholm Syndrome"
2010 After the Fall Annie Tolgen Television film
2011 True Blood Casey 8 episodes
The Protector Tamara O'Neil Episode: "Safe"
2015 Rizzoli & Isles Helen Barnes' Daughter Episode: "Face Value"
The Player Chloe Steele Episode: "L.A. Takedown"
Manhattan Jean Tatlock 2 episodes
2016–2017 Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency Bartine 'Bart' Curlish 13 episodes
2017 When We Rise Young Diane Jones 4 episodes
2018 Shameless Tabitha Youens Episode: "Church of Gay Jesus"
2018–2019, 2021 The Blacklist Jennifer Reddington 10 episodes
2018 The Purge Good Leader Tavis 5 episodes
2020 Utopia Cara Frostfield 3 episodes
Helstrom Mother / Kthara Episode: "Committed"
The Stand The Rat Woman 4 episodes
2021–2024 Chucky Nica Pierce / Chucky / Charles Lee Ray 12 episodes
2025–present The Pitt Dr. Cassie McKay Main role; 16 episodes

References

[edit]
[edit]
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Fiona Dourif

View on Grokipedia
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Fiona Dourif (born October 30, 1981) is an American actress and producer best known for her recurring role as in the horror franchise, including the films (2013) and (2017), as well as the / television series Chucky (2021–2024). Born in , she is the daughter of acclaimed actor , famous for voicing the killer doll Chucky in the same series, and the late Jonina "Joni" Dourif (died 2015), a and instructor. Dourif initially pursued a career behind the camera, working as a segment producer for documentaries on networks such as The History Channel and TLC before transitioning to . Her on-screen debut came in 2005 with a guest role on the Western series Deadwood, produced by , who funded her first class after she expressed interest during a production meeting. She attended college in Ireland, which influenced her early professional path, and later relocated to to build her career. Throughout her career, Dourif has balanced work with dramatic roles, earning acclaim for her portrayal of the chaotic assassin Curlish in the series (2016–2017), adapted from ' novels. Other notable appearances include Casey in Season 4 of HBO's (2011), a supporting role in Paul Thomas Anderson's The Master (2012), and parts in films like (2013) and Tenet (2020). In 2025, she gained further recognition for playing Dr. Cassie McKay, a resilient single mother and emergency room physician, in the Max The Pitt, starring and earning Emmy buzz for her performance. Dourif has also ventured into producing, contributing to projects that highlight her versatility in independent and mainstream entertainment.

Early life and education

Childhood and family

Fiona Dourif was born on October 30, 1981, in . She is the daughter of actor and late psychic Jonina "Joni" Dourif, who specialized in and had a background in and Jungian . Dourif has described her family as eccentric yet loving, shaped by her parents' unconventional professions. She has one half-sister, Kristina Dourif, a . Growing up, Dourif was exposed to the entertainment industry through her father's extensive career, which included iconic roles in film and television. This early immersion influenced her interests, leading her to start at the age of 13.

Education and early interests

Fiona Dourif attended college for three years, immersing herself in an international academic environment that broadened her perspectives. Following her time , Dourif pursued acting training at the , where she honed her performance skills through intensive professional instruction. After completing her education, Dourif worked as a segment producer for documentaries airing on and TLC, gaining hands-on experience in behind-the-scenes production that initially drew her to the entertainment industry. Her early interests included a passion for cats, which she has maintained throughout her life, as well as a fascination with travel and creative , evidenced by her move abroad and subsequent production roles. Around the age of 23 or 24, Dourif transitioned from production work to pursuing on-screen acting opportunities, building on her foundational training and industry exposure.

Career

Beginnings in production and acting

Fiona Dourif entered the entertainment industry in the early 2000s, initially focusing on production roles after completing her college education in film production. By 2004–2005, she advanced to segment producer for documentaries broadcast on The History Channel and TLC, where she handled scripting, research, and coordination for historical and lifestyle content, marking her foundational experience in nonfiction television. Transitioning to acting proved challenging, as Dourif balanced her production work with auditions amid self-doubt about shifting from a technical role to performing on screen. In a , she reflected on pursuing for a decade before securing steady work, highlighting the persistence required to build momentum in a competitive field. Her father, veteran actor , offered guidance throughout this period, sharing insights on emotional preparation and resilience that helped her navigate early uncertainties. Dourif's acting debut occurred in 2005 with a recurring role on HBO's Deadwood, appearing as a Chez Ami whore across three episodes in seasons 2 and 3, introducing her to period drama and ensemble dynamics. She followed this with supporting parts in independent films, including Jo Jo in the drama Little Chenier (2006) and Becky in Garden Party (2008), alongside a as Lisa on : that same year. These early credits, often in low-budget or character-driven projects, allowed her to hone her craft while maintaining occasional production involvement, such as associate producing short-form content.

Breakthrough in horror genre

Fiona Dourif's entry into the horror genre began with supporting roles in independent films, including her portrayal of Jennifer in the 2008 post-apocalyptic thriller Half Life, where she depicted a young woman navigating survival amid societal collapse and supernatural threats. This early work showcased her ability to convey vulnerability and resilience in low-budget horror settings. She followed this with a lead role as Sara, a trauma survivor grappling with phobias in the 2014 psychological horror Fear Clinic, directed by Robert Hall, in which her character undergoes experimental treatment that unleashes nightmarish hallucinations. The film, featuring genre icon Robert Englund, highlighted Dourif's skill in embodying psychological terror, contributing to its exploration of fear as a tangible entity. Dourif's breakthrough arrived with her casting as Nica Pierce in Curse of Chucky (2013), the sixth installment in the Child's Play franchise, directed by Don Mancini. Nica, a sharp-witted archaeologist paralyzed from the waist down since childhood—after Charles Lee Ray killed her father with an axe during a blizzard, prompting her mother to throw her down the stairs in a rage—becomes the target of the killer doll's vendetta against her family. Framed for the murders of her household, Nica's desperate fight against the possessed doll established her as a formidable final girl, earning praise for Dourif's nuanced performance as a physically limited yet intellectually defiant protagonist. Critics lauded the film's return to the series' slasher roots, with Dourif's portrayal noted for its emotional depth and physical authenticity, helping Curse of Chucky achieve a 78% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Dourif reprised the role in Cult of Chucky (2017), where Nica, now institutionalized and gaslit into believing she committed the killings, faces a multiplying horde of Chucky dolls in a psychiatric facility. The storyline culminates in Chucky transferring his soul into Nica's body via voodoo ritual, granting the doll human mobility through her legs and setting up a twisted arc. This possession twist amplified Dourif's range, blending horror with elements as she embodied both victim and villain. Her performance deepened the franchise's lore, emphasizing themes of mental fragility and invasion. In the SYFY/USA Network series Chucky (2021–2024), Dourif starred as Nica across all three seasons, expanding the character's arc into a central narrative thread. The series concluded after three seasons in 2024. Season 1 sees Nica rescued from solitary confinement by Andy Barclay, leading to a vengeful pursuit of Chucky while grappling with institutional trauma; Season 2 explores her possession, as "Nica/Chucky" allies with Tiffany Valentine in a cult-like rampage before an exorcism restores her; and Season 3 positions a freed Nica as an ally in a White House conspiracy against the doll. Fan reception celebrated Dourif's versatility, particularly her chilling embodiment of possessed Nica and flashbacks as a young Charles Lee Ray, with outlets advocating for Emmy recognition due to her transformative dual portrayals. The series earned Astra TV Award nominations for best cable drama, underscoring its impact. Playing opposite her father Brad Dourif's voice as Chucky added a meta layer to Dourif's work, with interviews revealing the surreal family dynamics of collaborating on a franchise her father originated in 1988. She described the experience as "a family business," noting how embodying Charles Lee Ray in flashbacks allowed her to channel her father's mannerisms while navigating the irony of fighting his iconic character. In discussions, Dourif highlighted the emotional intimacy of these roles, blending professional synergy with personal legacy, as seen in joint appearances where they reflected on Chucky's evolution from film to television. Dourif's horror contributions garnered genre acclaim, including nods in Fangoria Chainsaw Awards for her Chucky work, where the series was nominated for best TV series in 2023. She has become a convention staple, appearing at events like Washington State Horror Con and San Antonio Fear Fest to engage fans on her roles and the franchise's legacy.

Expansion to other genres and recent work

Following her establishment in the horror genre, Dourif expanded her career into science fiction, drama, and thriller territories, showcasing her versatility through a series of supporting and recurring roles. In the BBC America/Netflix series Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency (2016–2017), she portrayed Bart Curlish, a quirky "holistic assassin" characterized by her chaotic, upbeat demeanor and unconventional approach to her profession, which earned praise for adding levity and intensity to the ensemble cast. Her performance as the scruffy, growling yet oddly endearing killer was highlighted in interviews for its blend of humor and menace, contributing to the show's cult following. Dourif ventured into fantasy drama with a recurring role as Casey, a in Marnie's , on HBO's (2011), appearing in eight episodes during the fourth season and exploring themes of supernatural possession and coven dynamics. She further diversified into crime thrillers as Jennifer Reddington, the long-lost daughter of the central character Raymond Reddington, in NBC's (2018–2021), featuring in seven episodes across seasons 5 and 6, where her portrayal delved into family secrets and emotional volatility. In the USA Network's action-horror series (2018), Dourif recurred as Good Leader Tavis, a charismatic and zealous leader who dispenses blessings to followers during the annual purge night, blending dystopian tension with psychological depth. On the film front, Dourif took on supporting roles in high-profile dramas and sci-fi epics, marking her transition beyond genre confines. In Paul Thomas Anderson's The Master (2012), she appeared as the V.A. in scenes depicting the cult-like Cause movement, contributing to the film's exploration of post-World War II disillusionment. Her role as Wheeler, the leader of the Tenet Blue Team, in Christopher Nolan's time-bending thriller Tenet (2020) involved high-stakes action sequences amid inverted temporal mechanics, praised for her poised command in ensemble military contexts. More recently, in the Unsinkable (2024), Dourif played Alaine Ricard, a key figure in the political intrigue surrounding the Titanic inquiry, highlighting themes of accountability and in a narrative focused on real-life events. In 2025, Dourif starred as Dr. Cassie McKay, a unflappable second-year resident and single mother navigating personal recovery, in the Max series The Pitt, which unfolds over a single 15-hour shift in a across 15 episodes. To prepare, she underwent a rigorous two-week ER boot camp led by practicing doctors, learning procedures like , CPR, and basic surgery, which she described as transformative for understanding medical realism. On set, challenges included the intense real-time filming pace and technical precision—such as choreographed medical emergencies—leaving her "terrified" by the fear of errors, though her prior genre experience with high-pressure scenes from projects like Chucky provided familiarity with on-camera demands. The role also marked a personal milestone, as she shared scenes with her father, , in a . Dourif's producing credits trace back to her early career as a segment producer on documentaries for and TLC, where she honed skills in narrative structuring before shifting primarily to . In recent interviews, she has reflected on balancing genres, noting that her horror roots offer a "niche of dangerous yet vulnerable characters" that informs her approach to diverse roles, while expressing aspirations for more grounded dramas like The Pitt to explore unflappable resilience amid chaos. She views her career trajectory as driven by , emphasizing the value of versatility in sustaining long-term opportunities across television and film.

Filmography

Film

YearTitleRole
2008Garden PartyBecky
2008Little Chenier: A Cajun StoryJo Jo
2009The MessengerJenny
2009Frank the RatLisa
2010After the FallAnnie Tolgen
2011Letters from the Big ManPenny
2012The MasterDoris Solstad
2013Curse of ChuckyNica Pierce
2014Gutshot StraightGina
2014Fear ClinicSara (also producer)
2014HoneymoonBeatrice
2014The ScribblerSuki
2016Arbor DemonDana
2016Blood Is BloodBrie
2016Her Last WillIona Cotton
2016My Father DiePenny
2017The Black RoomMonica
2017Cult of ChuckyNica Pierce
2017SafeBrenda
2020TenetWheeler
2021The Forever PurgeDaphne Lanning
2021The Shuroo ProcessParker Schafer
2022Don't Look at the DemonJess
2022Living with ChuckySelf
2023On FireSarah Laughlin
2023The Last Voyage of the DemeterAnna
2024UnsinkableAlaine Ricard
2024PsychonautSamantha
2025SituationsThe Girl
Sources compiled from , , and The Movie Database for verification.

Television

Fiona Dourif began her television career with a recurring role in the HBO Western drama Deadwood, where she appeared as Chez Ami Whore across seven episodes from 2005 to 2006. She guest-starred in the Showtime series Shameless in 2011 as Tabitha Youens. Dourif portrayed Casey, a member of a witch coven, in three episodes of HBO's supernatural series during its 2011 fourth season. She played Young Diane Jones in the 2017 ABC miniseries . From 2016 to 2017, Dourif starred as the eccentric assassin Bart Curlish in 18 episodes of BBC America's , which later streamed on . Dourif appeared as the criminal in five episodes of NBC's spanning 2018 to 2021. In 2018, she played the character Victoria, also known as Good Leader, in five episodes of USA Network's horror anthology . Dourif's most prominent television role to date is as in the Syfy/USA Network horror series Chucky, appearing in over 20 episodes from 2021 to 2023 (series canceled in 2024); she also provided voice work for the character Charles Lee Ray in select episodes. In 2025, Dourif stars as Dr. Cassie McKay in 15 episodes of Max's medical drama The Pitt.

References

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  2. https://variety.com/lists/2025-emmys-supporting-actress-drama-predictions/
  3. https://www.fandango.com/people/fiona-dourif-179195/biography
  4. https://www.instagram.com/p/CABF05_gCUp/
  5. https://www.themoviedb.org/person/204468-fiona-dourif?language=en-US
  6. https://variety.com/2025/tv/news/the-pitt-episode-14-fiona-dourif-mckay-arrest-brad-dourif-1236357885/
  7. https://deadline.com/2025/03/the-pitt-fiona-dourif-explains-dr-cassie-mckay-1236352642/
  8. https://www.tvinsider.com/people/fiona-dourif/
  9. https://people.com/fiona-dourif-reveals-why-shes-grateful-to-be-a-nepo-baby-exclusive-11800938
  10. https://www.stunned.org/spook/spook/www.psitech.net/jonidourif.htm
  11. https://www.slashfilm.com/664234/chucky-is-a-family-affair-for-fiona-dourif-interview/
  12. https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-crazy-train-radio-88879361/episode/crazy-train-radios-episode-with-actress-166527027/
  13. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1875040/bio/
  14. https://kahawatungu.com/fiona-dourif-siblings-get-to-know-kristina-dourif-tanoue/
  15. https://esperstudio.com/notable-alumni/
  16. https://gojimmygo.net/2017/06/05/actress-fiona-dourif-talks-cult-of-chucky-dirk-gently-and-career-moments/
  17. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0348914/fullcredits/
  18. https://www.rottentomatoes.com/celebrity/fiona_dourif
  19. https://www.tvguide.com/celebrities/fiona-dourif/credits/3000225411/
  20. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2165765/
  21. https://archive.nerdist.com/interview-fear-clinic-star-fiona-dourif-talks-working-with-robert-englund-horror-and-more/
  22. https://childsplay.fandom.com/wiki/Nica_Pierce
  23. https://thoroughlymodernreviewer.com/2021/08/05/review-curse-of-chucky/
  24. https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/curse_of_chucky
  25. https://www.syfy.com/syfy-wire/what-happened-to-nica-at-the-mental-hospital-chucky-explainer
  26. https://screenrant.com/cult-chucky-movie-ending-explained-multiple-dolls/
  27. https://www.syfy.com/syfy-wire/chucky-nica-pierce-fiona-dourif
  28. https://www.indiewire.com/features/general/chucky-fiona-dourif-deserves-emmy-why-1234778651/
  29. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8388390/awards/
  30. https://www.polygon.com/24150367/chucky-brad-dourif-fiona-interview-tv-show/
  31. https://www.wahorrorcon.com/fiona-dourif/
  32. https://www.scifinow.co.uk/interviews/why-dirk-gentlys-bart-curlish-is-your-new-favourite-tv-character/
  33. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0844441/characters/nm1875040
  34. https://deadline.com/2018/05/the-purge-fiona-dourif-recur-usa-syfy-series-1202384847/
  35. https://www.backstage.com/magazine/article/fiona-dourif-the-pitt-interview-78535/
  36. https://people.com/fiona-dourif-was-delighted-to-work-with-dad-brad-on-the-pitt-exclusive-11708043
  37. https://dailydead.com/chucky-season-3-interview-with-brad-and-fiona-dourif/
  38. https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/garden_party
  39. https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/letters_from_the_big_man
  40. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2741602/
  41. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0348914/fullcredits
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